Della and Paul “Corky” Ostien discuss the challenges and history of the restoration of the Crown Bank Building at the next installment of the Ocean City Historical Museum Thursday Night Series at 7 p.m. August 27. The lecture is free and open to the public.
The building, at the southeast corner of Eighth Street and Asbury Avenue, was built in 1924 and officially opened for business in 1925. Della and Paul Ostien purchased the building in 1994, and they set out to carefully bring it back to its period look.
From the front door to the trim around the moldings, they researched and restored — often needing to have custom-made hardwood millwork manufactured. A total of 110,000 linear feet of stained oak trim was installed to augment the original Chestnut trim. While restoring the building to its 1920s appearance, they also upgraded its mechanical systems to today’s standards with central air conditioning, upgraded telephone, coaxial cable service and electrical service lines.
Corky, a lawyer and entrepreneur, is interested in historic buildings. His interest in the Crown Bank Building began more than 70 years ago when his grandfather used to bring him each Friday during the summer to Teller No. 5 to deposit his pennies in his savings account. He has a fascinating personal history, having served in Panama, the Middle East and Washington, D.C. with the United States Navy and in private industry both overseas and at home.
Della and Paul met during Paul’s second year at Villanova University School of Law. This September they will celebrate their 48th wedding anniversary. Della is their firm’s general partner and oversaw the restoration of the Crown Bank Building. Previously Della worked in government and private industry and has been involved in various aspects of residential construction.
Ocean City Historical Museum has an extensive collection of memorabilia from residences and businesses in Ocean City, dating from the first regular vacationers tenting at the “Camp Meeting” to the present. Come a little early to allow time to walk around the Museum, located in the Ocean City Community Center at 17th and Simpson.
— News release from the Ocean City Historical Museum
